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Short Citation:
Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, 2024: Marine Debris Survey and Removal Efforts in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands from 1999 to 2021, https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inport/item/25089.

Item Identification

Title: Marine Debris Survey and Removal Efforts in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands from 1999 to 2021
Short Name: Marine Debris Survey and Removal Efforts - NWHI
Status: On Going
Publication Date: 2019
Abstract:

The marine debris data included in this dataset are from annual in-water surveys conducted from 1999 to 2021 at the reefs, atolls and islands in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) by the NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC), Ecosystem Sciences Division (ESD) with funding from Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (PMNM), and NOAA's Marine Debris (MDP) and Damage Assessment Remediation and Restoration (DARRP) Programs.

These surveys and removal efforts of marine debris were conducted primarily during ship-based missions to the NWHI, and also as fly-in missions. During a mission, surveys were conducted by divers based on small boats launched either from a ship or from the shore. Two survey methods were used to search for marine debris; tow and swim surveys. Tow surveys were used in the relatively even-depth (usually less than 10 meters deep), contiguous backreef habitats, typically at Midway Atoll, Kure Atoll and Pearl and Hermes Atoll. Two free-divers were towed behind a small boat to search for debris throughout the water column. Swim surveys were used primarily in the comparatively high-relief and patchy lagoonal reef habitats of Maro Reef and Pearl and Hermes Atoll. During swim surveys, two or more snorkelers swam across the reefs to search for debris while being directed by the small boats to follow pre-planned routes. Survey areas and routes were chosen based on regional reef morphology and past debris accumulation records.

During a survey, if debris larger than 0.012 cubic meters (size of a small toolbox) was encountered, descriptive information about the debris and its location (i.e., type, color, size, biofouling, estimated depth, substrate composition/color) were recorded and a GPS waypoint was taken. Debris was removed if determined to be safe to do so and without causing damage to the surrounding coral reef habitat. Once removed, the volume of removed debris was estimated and recorded. At the end of the survey or if the small boat reached its capacity, the boat returned to the ship or to the shore and the boats debris load was weighed and recorded. Up to 4 small boats in one day concurrently conducted surveys during a mission.

Purpose:

The purpose of the marine debris survey and removal efforts in Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is to mitigate entanglement threats to wildlife, in particular to the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) and the threatened green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and to reduce the impact on coral reef habitats. Also, the focused effort to survey the debris in the backreef areas in Midway Atoll aims to study rates of debris accumulation in this remote location.

Notes:

During an extended field season at Midway Atoll in the NWHI in 2012, PIFSC scientists removed all of the marine debris along the backreefs at Midway Atoll. This represented a starting point to begin studying the accumulation rate along the backreefs for subsequent years. Since then there have been focused efforts to survey and study the accumulation rate in Midway Atoll. In 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2021 the survey and removal efforts were conducted as a component of the shore-based mission at Midway Atoll. Prior to the surveys in 2013, the backreef areas of the atoll were divided into 35 fixed survey boxes (size of each survey box is approximately 0.25 km2). Because of limited survey time, the preexisting survey boxes were randomized, and a subset of the boxes were identified as a first- or second-tier priority for each strata to survey. During a shore-based mission, when a small boat is at its capacity, the boat returns to Sand Island of Midway Atoll to weigh and record its debris load.

Supplemental Information:

The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (PMNM) includes the 1200 nautical mile chain of atolls and islets known as the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) that are geographically positioned as a repository for marine debris. Marine debris circulates within the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre until it encounters the atolls of the NWHI.

The Ecosystem Sciences Division (ESD) at the NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) has conducted both ship- and shore-based missions in the NWHI to survey for and remove derelict fishing gear and many other types of marine debris. Exploratory and opportunistic efforts began in 1996 that eventually evolved into annual cruises deployed up to 4 months at a time with a team of up to 18 personnel. The efforts prior to 1999 were focused on the removal of the marine debris, therefore data collection was inconsistent and not standardized.

These marine debris missions have been supported by several agencies over the years, including PMNM, NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP), NOAA Damage Assessment Remediation and Restoration Program (DARRP), and the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP). ESD has removed derelict fishing gear and other marine debris from Pearl and Hermes Atoll (PHR), Midway Atoll (MID), Kure Atoll (KUR), Lisianski Island (LIS), Laysan Island (LAY), Maro Reef (MAR), and French Frigate Shoals (FFS).

Keywords

Theme Keywords

Thesaurus Keyword
ISO 19115 Topic Category
environment
UNCONTROLLED
CoRIS Discovery Thesaurus Geographic Information > Marine Debris
CoRIS Theme Thesaurus EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals > Reef Damage Assessment > Marine Debris
CRCP Project 1014
CRCP Project 1224
CRCP Project 20497
CRCP Project Marine debris removal and assessment of debris accumulation rates in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument
CRCP Project Marine debris removal from NWHI
CRCP Project Marine Debris Survey & Removal from the Northwest Hawaiian Islands (NWHI)
CRCP Project Marine Debris Survey and Removal from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI): Maintenance Mode
CRCP Project Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine Debris Removal, Research, and Outreach
NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS DEBRIS
NODC PLATFORM NAMES THESAURUS AMERICAN ISLANDER
NODC PLATFORM NAMES THESAURUS KUKUI
NODC PLATFORM NAMES THESAURUS OSCAR ELTON SETTE
NODC PLATFORM NAMES THESAURUS TOWNSEND CROMWELL
None Coral Reef Ecosystem Division
None Coral Reef Ecosystem Program
None CRED
None CREP
None Derelict Fishing Gear
None Ecosystem
None F/V Ocean Fury
None M/V Casitas
None Marine Debris
None NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP)
None Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
None PIFSC
None R/V Freebird
None R/V Katmai
None USCG Walnut

Spatial Keywords

Thesaurus Keyword
UNCONTROLLED
CoRIS Place Thesaurus COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Hawaii > Honolulu > French Frigate Shoals (24N166W0001)
CoRIS Place Thesaurus COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Hawaii > Honolulu > Gardner Pinnacles (25N168W0001)
CoRIS Place Thesaurus COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Hawaii > Honolulu > Kure Atoll (28N178W0001)
CoRIS Place Thesaurus COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Hawaii > Honolulu > Laysan Island (25N171W0001)
CoRIS Place Thesaurus COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Hawaii > Honolulu > Lisianski Island (25N173W0001)
CoRIS Place Thesaurus COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Hawaii > Honolulu > Maro Reef (25N170W0001)
CoRIS Place Thesaurus COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Hawaii > Honolulu > Midway Atoll (28N177W0001)
CoRIS Place Thesaurus COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Hawaii > Honolulu > Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (28N178W0000)
CoRIS Place Thesaurus COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Hawaii > Honolulu > Pearl and Hermes Reef (27N176W0001)
CoRIS Place Thesaurus OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Central Pacific Ocean > Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (28N178W0000)
CoRIS Place Thesaurus OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Central Pacific Ocean > Northwestern Hawaiian Islands > French Frigate Shoals (24N166W0001)
CoRIS Place Thesaurus OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Central Pacific Ocean > Northwestern Hawaiian Islands > Gardner Pinnacles (25N168W0001)
CoRIS Place Thesaurus OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Central Pacific Ocean > Northwestern Hawaiian Islands > Kure Atoll (28N178W0001)
CoRIS Place Thesaurus OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Central Pacific Ocean > Northwestern Hawaiian Islands > Laysan Island (25N171W0001)
CoRIS Place Thesaurus OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Central Pacific Ocean > Northwestern Hawaiian Islands > Lisianski Island (25N173W0001)
CoRIS Place Thesaurus OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Central Pacific Ocean > Northwestern Hawaiian Islands > Maro Reef (25N170W0001)
CoRIS Place Thesaurus OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Central Pacific Ocean > Northwestern Hawaiian Islands > Midway Atoll (28N177W0001)
CoRIS Place Thesaurus OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Central Pacific Ocean > Northwestern Hawaiian Islands > Pearl and Hermes Reef (27N176W0001)
NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS North Pacific Ocean
NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument
None Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
None NWHI

Physical Location

Organization: Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
City: Honolulu
State/Province: HI
Country: USA

Data Set Information

Data Set Scope Code: Data Set
Data Set Type: CSV Files
Maintenance Frequency: As Needed
Data Presentation Form: Table (digital)
Distribution Liability:

These marine debris survey data are PRELIMINARY data and have not been screened for accuracy. NOAA can not be held liable for use of these data in a manner other than for perusal of preliminary marine debris data for scientific research on coral reef ecosystems. Disclaimer - NOAA makes no warranty regarding these data, expressed or implied, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data, nor as a result of the failure of these data to function on a particular system.

Data Set Credit: PIFSC Ecosystem Sciences Division

Support Roles

Data Steward

CC ID: 264925
Date Effective From: 2015
Date Effective To:
Contact (Person): Garriques, Joao D
Address: 1845 Wasp Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96818
USA
Email Address: joao.garriques@noaa.gov
Phone: (808)725-5407
Business Hours: 0700 to 1530
Contact Instructions:

Email preferred

Distributor

CC ID: 842008
Date Effective From: 2019-06
Date Effective To:
Contact (Organization): NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)
Email Address: ncei.info@noaa.gov
URL: NCEI Contact Information

Metadata Contact

CC ID: 248896
Date Effective From: 2010
Date Effective To:
Contact (Person): Akridge, Michael W
Address: 1845 Wasp Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96818
USA
Email Address: michael.akridge@noaa.gov
Phone: (808)725-5483

Originator

CC ID: 248898
Date Effective From: 1999
Date Effective To:
Contact (Organization): Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC)
Address: 1845 Wasp Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96818
USA
Email Address: pifsc.info@noaa.gov
Phone: 808-725-5360
URL: https://www.pifsc.noaa.gov
Business Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Point of Contact

CC ID: 264904
Date Effective From: 2015
Date Effective To:
Contact (Person): Garriques, Joao D
Address: 1845 Wasp Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96818
USA
Email Address: joao.garriques@noaa.gov
Phone: (808)725-5407
Business Hours: 0700 to 1530
Contact Instructions:

Email preferred

View Historical Support Roles

Extents

Currentness Reference: Ground Condition

Extent Group 1

Extent Description:

Mission TC99-10

Extent Group 1 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 201766
W° Bound: -175.831567
E° Bound: -173.9573333
N° Bound: 27.937667
S° Bound: 26.0539
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 1 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 201765
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 1999-10-06
End: 1999-11-04
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 2

Extent Description:

Mission TC00-10

Extent Group 2 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361681
W° Bound: -166.27653
E° Bound: -166.20976
N° Bound: 23.87161
S° Bound: 23.85918
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 2 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361682
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2000-08-09
End: 2000-08-25
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 3

Extent Description:

Mission TC00-12

Extent Group 3 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361684
W° Bound: -178.37224
E° Bound: -173.96036
N° Bound: 28.42655
S° Bound: 26.06665
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 3 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361685
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2000-10-09
End: 2000-11-05
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 4

Extent Description:

Mission KM2001

Extent Group 4 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361688
W° Bound: -175.84309
E° Bound: -175.72602
N° Bound: 27.96068
S° Bound: 27.82589
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 4 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361687
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2001-09-02
End: 2001-11-22
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 5

Extent Description:

Mission AI/OF2001

Extent Group 5 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361690
W° Bound: -178.37218
E° Bound: -178.28545
N° Bound: 28.45381
S° Bound: 28.08416667
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 5 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361691
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2001-09-02
End: 2001-11-22
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 6

Extent Description:

Mission TC01-11

Extent Group 6 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361693
W° Bound: -178.29299
E° Bound: -166.2089
N° Bound: 28.41266
S° Bound: 23.85885
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 6 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361694
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2001-10-22
End: 2001-11-20
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 7

Extent Description:

Mission OF2002

Extent Group 7 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361696
W° Bound: -178.29364
E° Bound: -173.96063
N° Bound: 28.40776
S° Bound: 26.06088
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 7 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361931
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2002-08-12
End: 2002-08-22
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 7 / Time Frame 2

CC ID: 361932
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2002-08-28
End: 2002-09-13
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 7 / Time Frame 3

CC ID: 361697
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2002-05-03
End: 2002-07-08
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 8

Extent Description:

Mission AI2002

Extent Group 8 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361699
W° Bound: -178.29399
E° Bound: -173.95927
N° Bound: 28.42702
S° Bound: 26.05971
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 8 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361933
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2002-08-12
End: 2002-08-22
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 8 / Time Frame 2

CC ID: 361934
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2002-08-28
End: 2002-09-13
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 8 / Time Frame 3

CC ID: 361700
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2002-04-23
End: 2002-07-08
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 9

Extent Description:

Mission OF2003

Extent Group 9 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361702
W° Bound: -177.42294
E° Bound: -173.95631
N° Bound: 28.27849
S° Bound: 26.05888
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 9 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361703
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2003-05-14
End: 2003-08-29
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 10

Extent Description:

Mission AI/OF2003

Extent Group 10 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361705
W° Bound: -170.63708
E° Bound: -170.63509
N° Bound: 25.44875
S° Bound: 25.44791
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 10 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361706
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2003-05-14
End: 2003-08-29
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 11

Extent Description:

Mission AI2003

Extent Group 11 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361708
W° Bound: -178.34466
E° Bound: -173.9869383
N° Bound: 28.45286
S° Bound: 26.07293333
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 11 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361935
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2003-05-14
End: 2003-08-29
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 12

Extent Description:

Mission CAS04

Extent Group 12 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361712
W° Bound: -178.36651
E° Bound: -166.22606
N° Bound: 28.4362
S° Bound: 23.8677
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 12 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361713
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2004-06-19
End: 2004-10-18
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 13

Extent Description:

Mission WAL05

Extent Group 13 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361714
W° Bound: -175.9431317
E° Bound: -170.62433
N° Bound: 27.875405
S° Bound: 25.44642
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 13 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361715
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2005-08-22
End: 2005-09-10
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 14

Extent Description:

Mission KUK05

Extent Group 14 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361717
W° Bound: -170.63949
E° Bound: -170.58856
N° Bound: 25.46698
S° Bound: 25.43243
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 14 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361718
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2005-08-31
End: 2005-09-19
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 15

Extent Description:

Mission CAS05

Extent Group 15 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361720
W° Bound: -178.33308
E° Bound: -175.72823
N° Bound: 28.45294
S° Bound: 27.76098
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 15 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361721
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2005-06-08
End: 2005-07-06
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 16

Extent Description:

Mission FRE05

Extent Group 16 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361723
W° Bound: -166.2994
E° Bound: -166.11265
N° Bound: 23.87487
S° Bound: 23.64915667
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 16 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361724
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2005-09-19
End: 2005-11-14
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 17

Extent Description:

Mission OES0609

Extent Group 17 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361726
W° Bound: -178.37245
E° Bound: -175.74745
N° Bound: 28.45401
S° Bound: 27.76133
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 17 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361727
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2006-08-10
End: 2006-09-06
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 18

Extent Description:

Mission OES0709

Extent Group 18 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361729
W° Bound: -175.986688
E° Bound: -175.7250769
N° Bound: 27.95949496
S° Bound: 27.75658032
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 18 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361730
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2007-10-11
End: 2007-11-08
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 19

Extent Description:

Mission OES0706

Extent Group 19 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361732
W° Bound: -178.3695615
E° Bound: -175.7266833
N° Bound: 28.45310709
S° Bound: 27.76363545
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 19 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361733
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2007-07-18
End: 2007-08-14
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 20

Extent Description:

Mission OES0708

Extent Group 20 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361735
W° Bound: -166.2745784
E° Bound: -166.1598293
N° Bound: 23.87491434
S° Bound: 23.76143234
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 20 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361736
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2007-09-17
End: 2007-10-03
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 21

Extent Description:

Mission WAL2008

Extent Group 21 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361738
W° Bound: -170.6420661
E° Bound: -170.5692782
N° Bound: 25.44995626
S° Bound: 25.43158958
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 21 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361739
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2008-05-20
End: 2008-06-06
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 22

Extent Description:

Mission WAL2009

Extent Group 22 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361741
W° Bound: -178.359469
E° Bound: -170.5805764
N° Bound: 28.44571391
S° Bound: 25.44115182
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 22 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361742
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2009-06-21
End: 2009-07-12
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 23

Extent Description:

Mission OES0908, Leg I

Extent Group 23 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361744
W° Bound: -178.3723825
E° Bound: -170.5667208
N° Bound: 28.45327145
S° Bound: 25.4198291
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 23 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361745
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2009-09-01
End: 2009-09-29
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 24

Extent Description:

OES0908, Leg II

Extent Group 24 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361747
W° Bound: -175.9841641
E° Bound: -166.2579237
N° Bound: 27.9266597
S° Bound: 23.8662824
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 24 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361748
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2009-10-06
End: 2009-10-30
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 25

Extent Description:

Mission OES1103

Extent Group 25 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361750
W° Bound: -178.3682882
E° Bound: -166.2192976
N° Bound: 28.45026369
S° Bound: 23.86557992
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 25 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361751
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2011-03-31
End: 2011-04-24
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 26

Extent Description:

Mission SB1205

Extent Group 26 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361753
W° Bound: -177.4223873
E° Bound: -177.3156932
N° Bound: 28.27785322
S° Bound: 28.19391022
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 26 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361754
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2012-05-28
End: 2012-06-23
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 27

Extent Description:

Mission OES1204

Extent Group 27 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361756
W° Bound: -178.3696862
E° Bound: -175.7560864
N° Bound: 28.45414778
S° Bound: 27.78148497
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 27 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361757
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2012-06-24
End: 2012-07-14
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 28

Extent Description:

Mission SB-13-05

Extent Group 28 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361759
W° Bound: -177.4227887
E° Bound: -177.3177788
N° Bound: 28.27737663
S° Bound: 28.19319148
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 28 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361760
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2013-03-28
End: 2013-04-18
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 29

Extent Description:

Mission SE1407

Extent Group 29 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 361762
W° Bound: -177.3584175
E° Bound: -170.5678008
N° Bound: 28.27570645
S° Bound: 25.42823355
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 29 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 361763
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2014-09-25
End: 2014-10-27
Description:

Time frame of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Extent Group 30

Extent Description:

Mission MP-15-15

Extent Group 30 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 882451
W° Bound: -177.4212896
E° Bound: -177.3228883
N° Bound: 28.27721553
S° Bound: 28.19371736
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted during the land-based mission at Midway Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) in 2015.

Extent Group 30 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 882452
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2015-08-17
End: 2015-09-01

Extent Group 31

Extent Description:

Mission SE1805

Extent Group 31 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 1328376
W° Bound: -175.827015
E° Bound: -175.726265
N° Bound: 27.951309
S° Bound: 27.823336
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted during the mission in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) in 2018.

Extent Group 31 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 1328377
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2018-09-24
End: 2018-10-03

Extent Group 32

Extent Description:

Mission CH0221

Extent Group 32 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 1328379
W° Bound: -178.368
E° Bound: -170.576
N° Bound: 28.44811
S° Bound: 25.43183
Description

Geographic area of marine debris survey and removal efforts conducted during the mission in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) in 2021.

Extent Group 32 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 1328380
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2021-08-29
End: 2021-09-12

Access Information

Security Class: Unclassified
Security Classification System:

Not applicable

Security Handling Description:

Not applicable

Data Access Policy:

NOAA Coral Reef Ecosystem Program (CREP) Data Sharing Recommendations, version 9.0 updated August 12, 2015:

CREP welcomes the opportunity to collaborate on research issues contributing to the scientific basis for better management of marine ecosystems. CREP has a very diverse set of field activities that generates large volumes of data using an array of data collection protocols.

The following recommendations are for your consideration as you use this data:

1) Data analyses should take all field exigencies into account. The most effective way to do this would be active collaboration with CREP principal investigators.

2) In all presentations, product releases, or publications using data generated by CREP, proper acknowledgement of both CREP and the individuals responsible for data collection is expected. Citing the DOI (if available) is preferred, a non-DOI example is listed below.

3) If you collect or generate data for the same study areas, CREP requests that you share relevant information on complimentary data collections.

4) Those receiving data are strongly urged to inform the CREP Data Management Team of any errors and discrepancies that are discovered during the course of using these data. They are further urged to bring to the attention of the Team all problems and difficulties encountered in using these data. This information is necessary in order to improve the collections and to facilitate more efficient and economical data processing and retrieval. The users are asked to supply copies of any missing data that may be located, and to provide information as to significant subsets and special aggregations of data that are developed in using the material provided.

Example citation:

"This publication makes use of data products provided by the Ecosystem Sciences Division (ESD), Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), with funding support from Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (PMNM), and NOAA's Marine Debris (MDP) and Damage Assessment Remediation and Restoration (DARRP) Programs. The analysis and interpretations presented here are solely that of the current authors.”

Data Access Procedure:

Data can be accessed online via the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) Ocean Archive, accession 0190879.

Data Access Constraints:

None

Data Use Constraints:

These marine debris survey data act as a proxy for area surveyed and have not been screened for accuracy based on environmental conditions or GPS accuracy. NOAA can not be held liable for use of these data in a manner other than for perusal of preliminary marine debris data for scientific research on coral reef ecosystems. When using this data, please credit the Ecosystem Sciences Division, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service.

Suggested citation:

Ecosystem Sciences Division; Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, (2016). Marine Debris Survey and Removal Efforts in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands since 1998. NOAA's National Center for Environmental Information, https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inport/item/25089.

Metadata Access Constraints:

None

Metadata Use Constraints:

None

Distribution Information

Distribution 1

CC ID: 201772
Start Date: 1999
End Date: 2021
Download URL: https://accession.nodc.noaa.gov/0190879
Distributor: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) (2019-06 - Present)
File Name: ESD_MARINE_Debris_1999-2021.csv
Description:

Data from marine debris surveys and removal efforts in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands from 1999 - 2021.

File Date/Time: 2024-03-01 00:00:00
File Type (Deprecated): csv (comma-separated values)
Distribution Format: CSV - Comma Separated Values (Text)

URLs

URL 1

CC ID: 201775
URL: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/pacific-islands/marine-debris-research-and-removal-northwestern-hawaiian-islands
Name: Marine Debris Research and Removal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
URL Type:
Online Resource
Description:

Information about marine debris research and removal efforts in Northwestern Hawaiian Islands by Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center

Technical Environment

Description:

A GPS unit is used to record the trackline during tow surveys and the location of large debris items found.

Data Quality

Accuracy:

Prior to conducting surveys, researchers are trained to identify debris type and estimate/measure debris size, along with other ecological metrics. Both classroom and field training tests must be completed for all researchers (experienced and inexperienced alike) before each round of surveys begins. This training ensures that all marine debris surveys are conducted consistently by all researchers during a mission and from year to year. Handheld GPS units were used to record the location/coordinate for each debris item.

Comparability:

The primary objective of the efforts in the earlier years (1999 to ~2009) was removal of marine debris, and the survey and data collection was the secondary objective. Therefore, data was not captured as consistently during this time period compared with the more recent surveys.

Completeness Report:

Only shallow water (0 to ~10 meter depth range) habitats are surveyed. The survey sites/islands/atolls were identified and selected as high-density debris accumulation areas by looking at historical debris point data and assessing reef characteristics (depth, benthic habitat type, and energy regime). Previously cleaned backreef and lagoonal reefs were resurveyed for accumulated debris.

Quality Control Procedures Employed:

Size estimates of debris in water were verified against the more accurate volume estimates of the nets once removed from the shallow coral reef environments and hauled onto the small boats.

Data Management

Have Resources for Management of these Data Been Identified?: Yes
Approximate Percentage of Budget for these Data Devoted to Data Management: Unknown
Do these Data Comply with the Data Access Directive?: Yes
Is Access to the Data Limited Based on an Approved Waiver?: No
Approximate Delay Between Data Collection and Dissemination: Unknown
Actual or Planned Long-Term Data Archive Location: NCEI-MD
Approximate Delay Between Data Collection and Archiving: Unknown
How Will the Data Be Protected from Accidental or Malicious Modification or Deletion Prior to Receipt by the Archive?:

NOAA IRC and NOAA Fisheries ITS resources and assets.

Lineage

Lineage Statement:

Marine debris removal has been conducted by the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center's Ecosystem Sciences Division at the atolls, reefs and islands of Northwestern Hawaiian Islands since 1996. Standardized data collection has been implemented since 1999. Two methods are used to survey for marine debris; tow and swim surveys. Tow surveys are typically used in the relatively even-depth (usually less than 10 meters deep), contiguous backreef habitats, while swim surveys are typically used in the comparatively high-relief and patchy lagoonal reef habitats. Survey areas are chosen based on regional reef morphology and past accumulation records.

Sources

Dameron, O. J., Parke, M., Albins, M. A., & Brainard, R. (2007). Marine debris accumulation in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands: an examination of rates and processes. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 54(4), 423-433.

CC ID: 840453
Extent Type: Discrete
Extent Start Date/Time: 2007

Donohue, M. J., Boland, R. C., Sramek, C. M., & Antonelis, G. A. (2001). Derelict fishing gear in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands: diving surveys and debris removal in 1999 confirm threat to coral reef ecosystems. Marine pollution bulletin, 42(12), 1301-1312.

CC ID: 840489
Extent Type: Discrete
Extent Start Date/Time: 2001

PIFSC. 2013. Restoring coral reefs: removing marine debris in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands 2012. NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, PIFSC Special Publication, SP-13-001, 5 p.

CC ID: 840466
Extent Type: Discrete
Extent Start Date/Time: 2013
Citation URL: https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/797
Citation URL Name: NOAA Institutional Repository
Citation URL Description:

Booklet summarizing marine debris removal and research efforts in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in 2012 by Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center

Source Contribution:

Professional Paper

PIFSC. 2014. Marine Debris: removal and assessment at Midway Atoll 2013. NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. PIFSC Special Publication, SP-14-001. 6 p.

CC ID: 840464
Extent Type: Discrete
Extent Start Date/Time: 2014
Citation URL: https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/10398
Citation URL Name: NOAA Institutional Repository
Citation URL Description:

Booklet summarizing marine debris removal and research efforts in Midway Atoll, the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in 2013 by Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center

Source Contribution:

Professional Paper

PIFSC. 2015. Marine Debris. Removal and Assessment in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands: 2014. NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. PIFSC Special Publication, SP-15-003, 8 p.

CC ID: 840486
Extent Type: Discrete
Extent Start Date/Time: 2015
Citation URL: https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/19832
Citation URL Name: NOAA Institutional Repository
Citation URL Description:

Booklet summarizing marine debris removal and research efforts in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in 2014 by Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center

Source Contribution:

Professional Paper

PIFSC. 2016. Marine Debris: Removal and Assessment in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands: 2015. NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, PIFSC Special Publication, SP-16-005, 6 p.

CC ID: 840490
Extent Type: Discrete
Extent Start Date/Time: 2016
Citation URL: https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/12971
Citation URL Name: NOAA Institutional repository
Citation URL Description:

Booklet summarizing marine debris removal and research efforts in Midway Atoll, the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in 2015 by Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center

Source Contribution:

Professional Paper

Process Steps

Process Step 1

CC ID: 201776
Description:

The towed-diver surveys are used in areas of relatively flat bathymetry less than 10 meters in depth (primarily the contiguous backreef habitats that lie just inside the surf on the lagoon-side of the barrier reef of an atoll) as found at Midway Atoll, Kure Atoll and Pearl and Hermes Atoll. In this method, two free-divers are towed behind a small-boat at speeds of 1-2 knots on a towboard (underwater wing) to search for debris and/or derelict fishing gear snagged on the reef. Divers hold their breath, submerge below the surface and conduct a back-and-forth pattern across the reef visually scanning for marine debris. These surveys cover areas that include depths of 0.5-10 m over hard or mixed hard/soft substrate. The boat conducts a “lawn-mowing pattern” back and forth across the reef and records a trackline with the GPS. When calculating area surveyed on GIS, the boat’s trackline is buffered out 7.5 meters on either side to represent the area each diver is able to reasonably visually survey. *Note: Divers measure water visibility at the start and end of each operational day. A minimum visibility measurement of 7.5 m is required to conduct towed-diver surveys.

Process Contact: Garriques, Joao D
Phone (Voice): (808)725-5407
Email Address: joao.garriques@noaa.gov
Source: Dameron, O. J., Parke, M., Albins, M. A., & Brainard, R. (2007). Marine debris accumulation in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands: an examination of rates and processes. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 54(4), 423-433.

Process Step 2

CC ID: 201777
Description:

The swim survey method was developed as a necessary alternative to towed-diver surveys in lagoonal, reticulated reef areas that were either too shallow, too irregular, or high-relief habitats difficult to survey effectively with the towed-diver survey technique. The method has typically been used in Maro Reef and Pearl and Hermes Atoll. During swim surveys, two or more divers swim across reefs to search for debris while being directed by the personnel in small boats to follow pre-planned routes and are coordinated for maximum visual area covered. Survey areas and routes are chosen based on regional reef morphology and past accumulation records.

Process Contact: Garriques, Joao D
Phone (Voice): (808)725-5407
Email Address: joao.garriques@noaa.gov
Source: Dameron, O. J., Parke, M., Albins, M. A., & Brainard, R. (2007). Marine debris accumulation in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands: an examination of rates and processes. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 54(4), 423-433.

Process Step 3

CC ID: 201778
Description:

When a diver encounters debris larger than 0.012 cubic meters (size of small toolbox), descriptive data about the debris such as type, color, size, foul level, presence/absence of coral growth on the debris, estimated depth of debris, and substrate composition/color surrounding the debris are recorded. The location of the debris where it was found is also recorded with a GPS. The debris is removed (cut from the reef or pulled out of the sand) when it is determined that it is safe to do so, and that removing the debris won't cause harm to the surrounding corals. Once removed and loaded into the cargo area of the small boat, the volume of removed debris is recorded.

Process Contact: Garriques, Joao D
Phone (Voice): (808)725-5407
Email Address: joao.garriques@noaa.gov
Source: Dameron, O. J., Parke, M., Albins, M. A., & Brainard, R. (2007). Marine debris accumulation in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands: an examination of rates and processes. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 54(4), 423-433.

Process Step 4

CC ID: 839788
Description:

When a small boat is at its capacity, the boat returns to the parent vessel and the debris load for the boat is weight and recorded. Typically 3 to 4 small boats are used per day for the underwater surveys. Areas surveyed for each boat are derived from GPS tracks.

Process Contact: Garriques, Joao D
Phone (Voice): (808)725-5407
Email Address: joao.garriques@noaa.gov
Source: Dameron, O. J., Parke, M., Albins, M. A., & Brainard, R. (2007). Marine debris accumulation in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands: an examination of rates and processes. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 54(4), 423-433.

Process Step 5

CC ID: 839789
Description:

In 2013 and 2015, the survey and removal efforts were conducted as a component of the shore-based mission at Midway Atoll. Prior to the surveys in 2013, the backreef areas of the atoll were divided into 35 fixed survey boxes (size of each survey box is approximately 0.25 km2). Because of limited time available, the preexisting survey boxes were randomized, and a subset of the boxes were identified as a first- or second-tier priority for each strata to survey. During a shore-based mission, when a small boat was at its capacity, the boat returned to Sand Island at Midway Atoll to weigh and record its debris load.

Process Contact: Garriques, Joao D
Phone (Voice): (808)725-5407
Email Address: joao.garriques@noaa.gov
Source: PIFSC. 2014. Marine Debris: removal and assessment at Midway Atoll 2013. NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. PIFSC Special Publication, SP-14-001. 6 p.

Process Step 6

CC ID: 841001
Description:

Individual weight of each removed debris can be estimated using WEIGHTLOAD_KG and VOLUME_REMOVED fields of each of the entities. First the VOLUME_REMOVED is summed for each GPS_FILE_DATE, WEIGHTLOAD_KG and LOAD_NUM to derive a total volume of debris removed for a load of a boat for a survey date. Fraction of each volume of debris removed is derived from dividing each VOLUME_REMOVED record by the associated total volume of debris debris removed for the load. Individual weight for each debris can be derived from multiplying the fraction by the WEIGHTLOAD_KG for the load.

Process Contact: Garriques, Joao D
Phone (Voice): (808)725-5407
Email Address: joao.garriques@noaa.gov
Source: Dameron, O. J., Parke, M., Albins, M. A., & Brainard, R. (2007). Marine debris accumulation in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands: an examination of rates and processes. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 54(4), 423-433.

Acquisition Information

Instruments

Instrument Unavailable Reason: Not Applicable

Platforms

Platform Unavailable Reason: Not Applicable

Child Items

Rubric scores updated every 15m

Rubric Score Type Title
Entity Marine Debris Entities from Underwater Surveys

Related Items

Item Type Relationship Type Title
Data Set (DS) Cross Reference Shoreline surveys and removal of marine debris at Midway Atoll, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands from 2013 to 2018

Catalog Details

Catalog Item ID: 25089
GUID: gov.noaa.nmfs.inport:25089
Metadata Record Created By: Annette M DesRochers
Metadata Record Created: 2015-05-21 21:11+0000
Metadata Record Last Modified By: SysAdmin InPortAdmin
Metadata Record Last Modified: 2024-10-03 18:16+0000
Metadata Record Published: 2024-03-11
Owner Org: PIFSC
Metadata Publication Status: Published Externally
Do Not Publish?: N
Metadata Last Review Date: 2019-05-30
Metadata Review Frequency: 3 Years
Metadata Next Review Date: 2022-05-30